Fraud and Embezzlement in Vintage Vespa Sales Uncovered in Bekasi, Suspect Arrested
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| Bekasi City Metro Police securing a vintage Vespa seized from suspect AWP. |
Bekasi – The Bekasi City Metro Police have uncovered a fraud and embezzlement case involving the sale and repair of vintage Vespa scooters. A man identified as AWP (39), a resident of Rawalumbu, Bekasi City, was arrested as the suspect. The case took place from January to March 3, 2025, at a Vespa workshop located on Jalan Baru Cipendawa, Rawalumbu.
Bekasi City Metro Police Chief, Commissioner Kusumo Wahyu Bintoro, explained that the suspect used the scheme of offering modified or vintage Vespas at prices well below market value through social media and WhatsApp. “The suspect advertised Vespas with prices ranging from IDR 30 million to IDR 250 million, attracting many victims to make transactions,” Kusumo said on Friday (August 8, 2025).
Moreover, many victims entrusted their scooters for repair or modification. Instead of returning the vehicles as agreed, the suspect sold them without the owners’ consent. Investigation results show there are 66 victims, but only 4 have officially reported the case to the police.
The suspect used the proceeds from the crime to pay off debts totaling IDR 700 million, invest in fictitious schemes worth IDR 350 million, and gamble on online trading and betting. Police have secured one unit of a Vespa belonging to a victim as evidence.
AWP faces charges under Article 378 of the Criminal Code for Fraud and Article 372 for Embezzlement, with a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
This case serves as a warning for the public to be cautious when buying and selling vehicles, especially via social media. The Bekasi City Metro Police continue to urge people to verify and choose trusted workshops or sellers.
